Micro-climate analysis

• They establish and explain the pattern of microclimate variations.
• A microclimate is defined as the atmospheric conditions prevailing within a small area that are distinctly different from the conditions in the surrounding area.
• Areas with a microclimate can be as small as a two square metres or can be many square kilometres in size.
• Geography and topography are the main causes of microclimates. For example, south-facing slopes in the northern hemisphere
• Equipment:

  • Weather instruments, such as a weather vane, an anemometer or ventimeter, a thermometer, a hygrometer, a rain gauge, and a barometer.
  • Map (s) of the study area, a compass, chart of the Beaufort scale, a light meter, wind-chill information, data sheets, a guide to identifying species, and recording sheets.
• Methodology:

  • Deciding on sampling strategy including the number of location sites where data will be collected or transect intervals.
  • The weather variables to be measured and recorded, such as temp, wind speed/direction and humidity.
  • Timing and frequency of readings
  • If appropriate, then identification of plant types within a 1m radius using a guide.

  ~ Use a hand-held thermo anemometer at various points within a town or neighbourhood.

  ~ Hygrometer to measure humidity.

  ~ Cloud cover and visibility could be observed.

  ~ Wind strength is hard to measure at ground level.
• Considerations and limitations:

  • The Beaufort scale and cloud cover observations are subjective.
  • Cloud cover can change from one moment to the next, affecting temperature and light readings, which need to repeat and average constantly.
  • The sampling technique must determine the locations to be sampled and the timing and frequency of recordings.
  • User error when using weather equipment, can cause inaccurate data and irrelevant data.
  • Checking all the gauges at the same time is nearly impossible.
  • The effects of vegetation and interception of rain or buildings providing shelter should be noted.
• Processing techniques:

  • Wind rose/polar graphs can show weather.
  • Isoline maps to show patterns of humidity and temperature (isotherms)
  • Annotated base maps.